As it stands, they would be lucky to get into the play-offs. That is not to say the gap is huge - they are only two points behind Bury in sixth - but they have shown no consistency whatsoever this season.

They have also shown an inability to pick up wins, when it would be expected of them: Southend may be 11th in League One, but the visit of a mid-table side is the sort of game promotion winners would expect to win.